Hinesville Child Support Attorneys

Helping Clients Resolve Child Support Issues Throughout Georgia

Child support is a legal obligation that parents have to support their children. The amount of child support that a parent may owe is determined by a formula that takes into consideration the income of both parents, the number of children, and other factors.

The parents can agree to a different amount, but the court will typically use the formula as a guideline to determine whether the amount they agreed to is appropriate. If you are in the process of a divorce or you have a child with someone you are not married to, you may be wondering how much child support you will have to pay or how much you will receive. You may also have questions about what happens if you lose your job or if you have other children to support.

The Hinesville child support lawyers at Balbo & Gregg, Attorneys at Law, PC can answer all of your questions and help you with any child support issues you may have. We will work tirelessly to ensure that your child support order is fair and reasonable.

For more information about child support, please contact our firm online or give us a call at (866) 580-3089. We offer free initial consultations.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Georgia?

Child support is calculated using the Georgia Child Support Guidelines. The guidelines take into consideration several factors, including the gross income of both parents, the amount of alimony paid or received by either parent, the number of children, the amount of health insurance paid for the children, and the number of nights the children will spend with each parent. The guidelines also take into consideration other expenses, such as work-related childcare expenses and extraordinary medical expenses.

It is important to note that the guidelines are just a starting point, and the court can deviate from the guidelines if it finds that the amount of child support would be unjust or inappropriate. The court will consider the best interests of the child when determining the amount of child support. If the parents have a combined income of more than $30,000 per month, the court will have discretion to determine the appropriate amount of child support based on the needs of the child.

What Happens If I Don't Pay Child Support?

Child support is a legal obligation. If you fall behind on your child support payments, the other parent can take legal action to enforce the child support order. The parent who is owed child support can ask the court to garnish the delinquent parent's wages, take their tax refunds, suspend their driver's license, or put a lien on their property. The parent who is owed child support can also ask the court to hold the delinquent parent in contempt of court, which can lead to fines and even jail time.

If you are struggling to keep up with your child support payments, you should contact an attorney to discuss your options. It may be possible to have your child support order modified if you have had a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss or a serious illness. However, it is important to note that child support orders are not retroactively modified, so you should take action as soon as possible if you are unable to afford your child support payments.

Can I Get a Child Support Order Modified?

Child support orders can be modified, but only if there has been a significant change in circumstances. For example, if a parent loses their job or has a substantial increase or decrease in income, they can ask the court to modify the child support order. A parent can also ask the court to modify the child support order if the child's financial needs change, such as if the child develops a serious illness or if they are accepted to an expensive private school.

It is important to note that child support orders are not retroactively modified. This means that if your child support order is modified, the change will only apply from the date you filed your request with the court. For example, if you lose your job and you file a request to have your child support order modified, the court will not reduce the amount of child support you owe for the time period before you filed your request. This is why it is important to take action as soon as possible if you are unable to afford your child support payments.

Can I Get Child Support If I Don't Have Custody?

Yes. Both parents have a legal obligation to support their children. In Georgia, child support is typically paid by the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent. However, the court can order the custodial parent to pay child support to the noncustodial parent if the noncustodial parent has a significantly higher income.

Can I Get Child Support If I Have Joint Custody?

Yes. Even if you have joint custody of your child, you may still be able to get child support. The amount of child support you may be entitled to will depend on several factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children, the amount of alimony paid or received by either parent, the amount of health insurance paid for the children, and the number of nights the children will spend with each parent. A Hinesville child support lawyer can review your situation and help you understand your rights and options.

How Long Do I Have to Pay Child Support?

In Georgia, child support typically ends when the child turns 18 years old. However, if the child is still in high school, the child support obligation will continue until the child graduates or turns 20 years old, whichever comes first. Child support will also continue if the child is physically or mentally disabled and is unable to support themselves.

How Can a Child Support Lawyer Help Me?

Child support issues can be complex. A Hinesville child support attorney can help you understand the child support guidelines and how they apply to your situation. If you are unable to afford your child support payments, a lawyer can help you ask the court to modify your child support order. A lawyer can also help you if you need to enforce your child support order or if you have other child support issues.

At Balbo & Gregg, Attorneys at Law, PC, we have extensive experience handling child support cases. We can review your situation and help you understand how much child support you may owe or how much you may receive. We can also help you with any other child support issues you may have.